DIRECTOR OF CONTENT
Req #: | 173651 |
Department: | UNIVERSITY ADVANCEMENT |
Job Location: | Seattle Campus |
Posting Date: | 10/29/2019 |
Closing Info: | Open Until Filled |
Salary: | Salary is commensurate with experience and education |
Shift: | First Shift |
UW faculty and staff also enjoy outstanding benefits, professional growth opportunities and unique resources in an environment noted for diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty. All of which has allowed the UW to be nationally recognized as a “Great College to Work For” for six consecutive years.
University Advancement has an outstanding opportunity for a Director of Content.
Position Purpose
The Director of Content develops and directs targeted written and spoken content that supports the UW’s integrated brand marketing and communications strategy. This position oversees day-to-day content development, production, workflow and strategy for deployment across multiple platforms, including websites, social media, video, radio, advertising, events and printed publications.
Under the leadership of the Creative Director of University Marketing and Communications, the Director of Content works closely with UMAC colleagues, the Executive Office, Advancement, Admissions, and colleagues across UW schools, colleges, units, programs and campuses in developing and implementing communications that support the brand strategy. In this role, the Director will work collaboratively to identify the need for, plan and produce content; maintain editorial calendars and production schedules; and serve as an editor and mentor to members of the content team. In addition, this position will serve as project manager for various deliverables, maintaining smooth workflow and managing tight, often changing deadlines and priorities.
The role includes copywriting, substantive and copy editing, and proofreading, in the service of unified content strategy initiatives within the strategic brand framework. The Director must be capable of producing polished content under tight timelines and in high-pressure environments.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBLITIES
Content strategy and creation
o Oversees the writing and editing of editorial content across multiple platforms, including short and long-form features, narratives and multimedia stories; advertising copy; event communications and collateral; social media posts; remarks; event and video scripts; donor communications; and external and internal reports, newsletters and articles.
o Applies an equity lens to developing and overseeing content, staying current on the evolving ways that content can support and promote diversity, inclusion and equity.
o Directs the editorial pitch process among units and partners.
o Directs the maintenance of the Story Central and Pride Points databases of University-wide content.
o Develops and maintains relationships with communications and marketing peers across the University to develop new brand-defining content.
o Identifies compelling, inspiring stories to promote through digital, broadcast and print communications channels.
o Develops, updates and maintains documentation of the UW editorial style guide, including tone/voice and adherence to brand standards.
o Receives and incorporates editorial input and feedback from internal and external stakeholders across multiple departments; routes content through departments as needed.
o Maintains highest level of editorial standards and ensures compliance with UW brand guidelines and style guide, based on thorough familiarity with AP style.
Team management and leadership (continuously overlaid in all duties)
o Leads and manages the UMAC content team of two staff copywriters, a content editor and student employees
o Collaborate with creatives in other disciplines such as design, video, and UX to create unified campaigns.
o Oversees freelance writers and editors as necessary, in the execution of brand messaging for special projects. Approves specification for bids and cost estimates.
o Is responsible for management, staff development and career enrichment for the content team.
o Manages the day-to-day operations of the content team, including guidance and oversight of budget, projects, workflow and general project timelines.
Project management and consultation
o Manages internal project teams to ensure project completion.
o Partners in the production of digital media deliverables, including multimedia stories and video scripts.
o Advises University units and partners on customizing editorial guidelines and messaging framework.
o Leads the development and implementation of policies and procedures for the internal and external content communications program.
Other duties as assigned
Key Competencies
Core
Valuing and promoting diversity and inclusiveness: Respects, supports and contributes to the UW’s commitment to inclusiveness and diversity, ensuring that UMAC’s work expresses those values.
Effective communications: Expresses self clearly and empathetically in interactions with others in all forms of communication (verbal and written, one-on-one and group, etc.).
Interpersonal awareness: Builds and maintains positive relationships and actively contributes as a member of working teams to achieve results.
Professional credibility: Takes responsibility for meeting goals, objectives and obligations, solving problems while representing the mission, vision and values of the organization.
Critical thinking: Obtains, analyzes and evaluates information effectively in the face of ambiguity. Makes appropriate decisions based on relevant information and experience.
Ethics and trust: Models and upholds the values of candor, openness, inclusiveness and honesty despite internal and external pressures. Acts consistently with Washington State ethical guidelines and organizational core values and beliefs.
Functional expertise
Organizational acumen: Able to size up a situation, balance reason and the interests of others, and act in a decisive, timely and appropriate manner that’s congruent with the University's values, goals and mission, to achieve success.
Innovation management: Able to anticipate market trends and effectively facilitate and manage creative processes to achieve results in self and others.
Planning and implementing: Able to develop strategies, measures for success and feasible timelines for successful project implementation and execution.
Management
Team building: Is committed to developing others to become leaders.
Driving results: Effectively communicates objectives and guides direct reports and team members to make decisions and achieve goals.
Organizational planning: Develops and manages comprehensive team goals and measures team progress while balancing short-term and long-term priorities that are consistent with the organization’s mission, priorities and goals.
Managing conflict: Recognizes and addresses conflicts and disagreements in a safe and respectful environment, manages conflicts collaboratively and builds consensus in the best interests of the organization.
REQUIREMENTS
Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism or related field and five years of experience in content strategy and writing/editing or related field. Equivalent combination of education and experience from which comparable knowledge and skills have been acquired may substitute for degree.
Strong portfolio that showcases conceptual and copywriting skills and demonstrates the ability to work collaboratively as part of a creative team, as well as experience incorporating multimedia elements into narrative pieces to enhance and tell stories.
Demonstrated knowledge of branding and brand development, and experience developing targeted messaging strategies for a wide variety of audiences.
Knowledge of AP Style and experience editing at multiple levels, including developmental/substantive editing and copyediting, as well as proofreading. Experience collaborating with clients in directing content and editorial style.
Mastery of the principles of storytelling and adapting content for client tone and voice.
Demonstrated experience with organizational proficiency and project managing, including the ability to prioritize concurrent deadlines and overlapping tasks.
Must be able to work in a team environment as well as independently. Must be flexible in a fast-paced setting and able to work under deadline pressure.
Must be self-motivated with a positive attitude.
Must be able to work professionally with many constituencies (e.g., staff, faculty, students, alumni, donors, vendors and volunteers).
Proficiency using Mac computers. Demonstrated strong computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Adobe Acrobat Pro, for editing/markup, correspondence, special reports, spreadsheets, databases, forms, etc.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of alumni relations/development/advancement principles.
Knowledge of UW Advancement and/or University Marketing & Communications.
Conditions of Employment
Cubicle/open workspace environment, which may include noise and visual distractions.
Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration.
BENEFITS
As a UW employee, you will enjoy generous benefits and work/life programs. For detailed information on Benefits for this position, click here.
Application Process:
The application process for UW positions may include completion of a variety of online assessments to obtain additional information that will be used in the evaluation process. These assessments may include Workforce Authorization, Cover Letter and/or others. Any assessments that you need to complete will appear on your screen as soon as you select “Apply to this position”. Once you begin an assessment, it must be completed at that time; if you do not complete the assessment you will be prompted to do so the next time you access your “My Jobs” page. If you select to take it later, it will appear on your "My Jobs" page to take when you are ready.
Please note that your application will not be reviewed, and you will not be considered for this position until all required assessments have been completed
Committed to attracting and retaining a diverse staff, the University of Washington will honor your experiences, perspectives and unique identity. Together, our community strives to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable and welcoming.
The University of Washington is a leader in environmental stewardship & sustainability, and committed to becoming climate neutral.
The University of Washington is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 / 206-543-6452 (tty) or dso@uw.edu.